Today I celebrate 8 years in business. I decided I would take my first stab at a blog post to share my thoughts about that.Here goes.

I have two role models, who are not longer with me, that left me with their legacies. My mother was a person who always put others first, gave silently to complete strangers and brightened every room she ever entered with her smile and unconditional love. I lost my second role model this week. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was brilliant, humble, gracious, loving and one of those people who was smiling in photos even when he had no idea someone was taking his picture. He was a person who could have bragged about his life and accomplishments yet never did. He was only ever interested in 'the other person.'

My underlying goal in life has always been to leave a legacy that people who have had some contact with me will remember. Looking back, I am grateful that I have been able to do that for people who have been kind enough to allow me to - those that know me as well as complete strangers. I will continue on my journey in life and in business to seek out opportunities to make a positive difference for at least one person a day.Today's cryptoquote is: "It is only the great hearted who can be true friends. The mean and cowardly can never know what true friendship means." Charles Kingsley. My mother and my Uncle Nate exemplified the meaning of being "great hearted."